Prostate specific antigen test

The most common diseases of the male reproductive system are associated with the pathology of the prostate gland. The main cause of prostatitis, adenoma or prostate cancer can be infectious agents, hereditary predisposition, endocrine disruption and adverse effects of environmental factors. The main diagnostic method for these pathologies is the method of blood testing for prostate specific antigen (PSA) in laboratory conditions.

PSA blood test what is it? PSA blood test is a specific method for establishing a clinical diagnosis in diseases of the prostate gland. Also, the level of PSA (PSA) in men is shown to be determined in the presence of pathologies associated with impaired urinary functions, with a predominance of nocturnal urine output (an increase in the amount of urine excreted at night) over daytime, with difficulty urinating in males over 50 years old. p>

What is PSA?

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a glycosylated protein produced by prostate cells (normal and tumor cells.) PSA's main function is to dilute (dilute) semen to stimulate sperm to move to the uterus to fertilize an egg.

In normal condition of the gland, part of the PSA enters the bloodstream.

In blood serum, PSA is represented by three molecular types:

Analysis of total PSA is of great diagnostic value. In laboratory research, total PSA analysis is presented as free and associated with alpha-1otrypsin.

Norm of PSA in blood

The level of prostatic antigen is a specific indicator. The PSA rate depends on the age of the man, which means the older the man, the higher the PSA level.

PSA concentration, ng / ml. Age, years:

• 0-2.5 to 50.
• 0-3.5 50-60.
• 0-4.5 60-70.
• 0-6.5 Over 70.

What does an increase in PSA levels mean?

An increase in PSA levels indicates a pathological process of the prostate gland, which is based on organic damage to the epithelium of the wall of the prostate gland.

What does this mean?

For example, in benign prostatic hyperplasia, an increase in the level of prostate specific antigen occurs due to multiple formations of the nodular nature of the prostate gland, which leads to an overproduction of PSA with a large number of normal cells, as well as the absence of foci of metastasis. Consequently, PSA is increased. In this case, PSA varies and reaches the upper limits of the norm or slightly exceeds it.

During oncological processes, overproduction occurs not only by normal, but also by tumor cells that do not control their prevalence, localization, forming a large number of foci of metastasis, which show the neglect of the oncological process.

The higher the PSA level, the higher the risk of developing and progression of a malignant tumor of the prostate. If the PSA level is several times higher than normal, then this is a sign of the appearance of foci of tumor metastasis.

PSA analysis, what is it? This is a laboratory blood test method that determines the PSA level and the presence of prostate pathology.

Factors influencing the increase in the level of prostate specific antigen

• PSA overproduction by tumor cells in prostate cancer;
• violation of the barrier function of the basal cells of the prostate, with the underlying membrane;
• the presence of an infectious, inflammatory focus in the prostate, leading to the destruction of epithelial cells;
• an increase in PSA levels in a benign tumor due to an increase in the size of the prostate and compression by tumor tissue;
• Presence of ischemic areas in the prostate;
• the presence of foci of necrosis and heart attack in the prostate;
• ischuria (sudden painful retention of urination);
• cystoscopy;
• violent intercourse;
• bladder catheterization;
• old age;
• acute prostatitis;
• exacerbation of chronic prostatitis;
• inflammatory diseases of the urinary system.

To confirm or exclude the development of cancer, it is necessary to conduct additional laboratory tests, in addition to the study of PSA in the blood in men:

Blood tests of total and associated PSA are significant norms, if one of them is incorrectly identified, this result will lead to a false diagnosis, therefore, the correct preparation for donating blood is important.

Preparation before testing blood donation for PSA

It is necessary to exclude the following number of factors influencing the level of PSA in the blood:

Failure to comply with these recommendations leads to a false positive increase in PSA, therefore, this method does not justify the means.

Blood sampling from the cubital vein is carried out in the morning before meals. Free and total PSA levels must be determined from the same sample, in the same laboratory, otherwise the results may be false. PSA test results must be interpreted by a laboratory technician and a physician.

Not always an increased level of prostate-specific antigen indicates a malignant tumor in the prostate gland. For an accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer, it is necessary to consult with competent specialists. In addition to increasing PSA levels, you should carefully describe the symptoms and complaints that bother you.

Depending on the complaints, an examination will be carried out, additional instrumental research methods will be prescribed, with the help of which it will be possible to confirm or deny this diagnosis.

PSA analysis is necessary for males who are over 50 years old once a year for prophylactic and diagnostic purposes.

PSA norm is detected in those men who lead a healthy lifestyle and do not have promiscuous sexual intercourse.

To reduce elevated PSA levels in men, you can use a natural way, medication and folk remedies. A natural lifestyle includes a healthy lifestyle, a diet that is free of dairy products, butter, and high-fat meats. It is necessary to eat fruits, vegetables, which contain a large amount of antioxidants.

For example, pomegranate, which contains powerful antioxidants vitamin E, as well as vitamin C; tomatoes contain carotenoid, which helps cells avoid overstraining. Also, taking dietary supplements can help lower PSA levels. For drug treatment, it is necessary to consult with specialists who, depending on the pathology, will prescribe an effective treatment.

Folk remedies include herbs that have a relaxing effect on smooth muscle cells of the prostate gland and have an anti-inflammatory effect, which shows a positive trend in prostate cancer. For example, yarrow, celandine. Also, the use of honey and propolis have a positive effect on men.